Secret Princess Zelda Quest #10

You draw your blade as precaution, but try to stay positive. "I believe that answers your question, Lynna. We should see if they need help... or if that was a less friendly groan."

She sticks closer to you as you both approach a door, shaped somehow like a clam shell. You give it a gentle push, peeking inside... and to your relief, there seems to only be two Zora in there. One seems to be a young boy, the other an elderly gentleman, lying in a shall-shaped bed. The sound of the door opening alerts the younger Zora to your presence, quickly spinning himself around. "Wh-who goes there?" he questions in a somewhat panicked voice, clearly trying to force it to sound deeper than it actually is. "I warn you, I have a weapon!" You notice him reach for a slingshot, his body trembling.

>A. Open the door and try to calm the Zora
>B. Sheathe your sword, he's no threat to either of you
>C. Let Lynna do the talking
>D. Something else?

>>A. Open the door and try to calm the Zora

>>A. Open the door and try to calm the Zora
>>B. Sheathe your sword, he's no threat to either of you

>B. Sheathe your sword, he's no threat to either of you
>A. Open the door and try to calm the Zora

>A. Open the door and try to calm the Zora

>A. Open the door and try to calm the Zora
>B. Sheathe your sword, he's no threat to either of you

>shall-shaped bed
shell-shaped?

>B. Sheathe your sword, he's no threat to either of you
>C. Let Lynna do the talking

...

...

You sigh out in relief, returning your blade to its sheath and slowly opening the door. The Zora pulls back on the slingshot as he sees the door open, but calms slightly when you show yourself. "...H-Hylians?" he questions quietly, tone sounding much younger and more normal.

"We mean no harm." you state, hands visible and away from any equipment. "Sorry to have startled you, young one."

"Wh-what are you doing here?" he asks in the same forced masculine voice. "Are... did Tijo and Toto finally get help?"

Your confused expression is all the answer he needs. He lowers the slingshot, trembling. The elderly Zora looks up from his bed. "Nelea... visitors...?" he questions in a pained voice, struggling to move.

"Grandfather, you must rest!" he demands, rushing back to the elder's side.

You and Lynna enter slowly, the boy carefully watching your movements.

>A. What exactly happened here? Why is this place deserted?
>B. Elder Zora, you seem ill, do you need any assistance?
>C. Let Lynna speak her piece before you move on to questions of your own
>D. Something else?

>C. Let Lynna speak her piece before you move on to questions of your own
Sure, we can wait in line.

>C. Let Lynna speak her piece before you move on to questions of your own

>B. Elder Zora, you seem ill, do you need any assistance?

>C. Let Lynna speak her piece before you move on to questions of your own

>>C. Let Lynna speak her piece before you move on to questions of your own

You move back. "Lynna, looks like these are the only Zora here. Best chance you'll have at getting to the bottom of this mystery right now."

"Ah, r-right!" she replies nervously, heading over. "I am... we... e-er... sorry to intrude like this. But... there seems to be something wrong with... the river..."

The boy gives her a silent, judging look, as the elderly Zora forces himself up. The kid protests, but his grandfather wants none of it. "Something is wrong indeed... where are you from, Miss?"

"I'm... Lynna, from Gaebora Town, to the south. The river flowing to it has been poisoned or... something. It's making people sick, killing the fish..."

"And has been going on for a week?" the aged Zora asks.

Lynna nods, surprised. "Y-yes... has it been happening here too?"

He looks down sorrowfully, coughing. "We should... should have noticed sooner. There's... something up river, in the Temple dedicated to Nayru. We sent a scouting party earlier, but never heard back from them. We-" his coughs become rougher, the boy urging the elderly Zora to lay back down.

Nelea continues, "...we started seeing our members become ill, the water had this... bitter taste to it. Our King told us to evacuate to the colony up north, but some of us decided to stay behind and try to find the cause of this. Our numbers... dwindled. Only myself, Grandfather, Tijo and Toto remained here up until a few days ago... Tijo and Toto leaving to find help."

>A. Has this happened before? Is there anything that could help ease your grandfather's pain, Nelea?
>B. Has anyone suspicious shown up in the last week or so, headed in the direction of the Temple?
>C. Explore the place a bit, see what other information you can gather from the area
>D. Something else?

>B. Has anyone suspicious shown up in the last week or so, headed in the direction of the Temple?

>>B. Has anyone suspicious shown up in the last week or so, headed in the direction of the Temple?

>A. Has this happened before? Is there anything that could help ease your grandfather's pain, Nelea?
>B. Has anyone suspicious shown up in the last week or so, headed in the direction of the Temple?
Infoinfoinfoinfo

>A. Has this happened before? Is there anything that could help ease your grandfather's pain, Nelea?
>>B. Has anyone suspicious shown up in the last week or so, headed in the direction of the Temple?

Okay, most pressing question first. "Nelea, has anyone suspicious shown up in the last week or so, headed in the direction of the Temple?"

"I... I dunno... there might have been?" His voice wavers between the forced deeper sound and his clearly more natural speaking voice. "What kind of suspicious?"

You take a moment to think. "Well... anyone who has an association with Masks. As strange as it may sound, this is not the first time I've heard of someone messing with the Temples. The Great Fairy Temple near Kakoriko, the Temple of Farore near Ordon Town, and the Temple of Hylia in Castle Town-"

Lynna gives you a strange look at the mention of that last one, curious and slightly... uneasy, somehow. The elderly Zora pushes himself up again. "There... was... a man. Yes... someone arrived, wished to visit the Temple, make... an offering..." He coughs harshly again, but continues once the fit is over. "He... did have masks..."

"Masks... plural?" Oh. Oh this isn't good. Okay, now that you know... "Sir, what do you yourself need? Has this happened before, and might be there some way to ease your illness?"

"Fresh... fresh water..." he wheezes out. "What... is your name?"

"Termina." you state, getting closer. Fresh water... damn, your bottle is full of Poe.

"Are... you offering to help us?"

>A. Of course, I shall help however I can
>B. I have my own business with the Fairy Temple
>C. Is there anything else you can recall about the man with masks? Anything at all?
>D. Ask about something else (what?)

>A. Of course, I shall help however I can
>B. I have my own business with the Fairy Temple
>C. Is there anything else you can recall about the man with masks? Anything at all?

>A. Of course, I shall help however I can
>B. I have my own business with the Fairy Temple

>A. Of course, I shall help however I can
>C. Is there anything else you can recall about the man with masks? Anything at all?

>>A. Of course, I shall help however I can
>>B. I have my own business with the Fairy Temple
>>C. Is there anything else you can recall about the man with masks? Anything at all?

>>A. Of course, I shall help however I can
>>C. Is there anything else you can recall about the man with masks? Anything at all?

"Of course. I have my own business with the Temple's Great Fairy, but I shall help you however I can." you state clearly, giving a gentle smile to the two Zora.

The elder smiles back. "Hyrule... needs more people like you."

"May I ask one more thing of you, sir?" With his nod of approval, you question, "The man with Masks... is there anything else you could tell me about him? Any features that stand out, anything at all?"

He thinks for a moment. "Hrmn... he was... he was always smiling, but... something was off about his grin. He... just didn't seem right..."

A man with masks that smiles a lot... going to commit that to memory as best you can. "Thank you, sir. I will return, after making sure whatever dark force plaguing the Temple of Nayru has been vanquished."

With that promise, you move to leave the room. Lynna comes after you, asking you to stop for a moment. "Miss Termina... are you truly going there on your own? Are you seriously taking on a Temple infested with Goddesses know what kind of monsters and beasts are in there?"

"I've done it twice before. I will succeed." you assure her, turning back to head off. "For the sake of Hyrule."

She stares at you for a moment as you walk, then looks back at the Zora. "...let me help you. My home depends on this too."

>A. Like you implied, such a task is very dangerous, are you sure you can handle this?
>B. You should stay here and help
>C. All right, but don't fall behind
>D. Something else?

>>A. Like you implied, such a task is very dangerous, are you sure you can handle this?

Just curious, what are the rules for quests now that they have their own board?

>>A. Like you implied, such a task is very dangerous, are you sure you can handle this?

>A. Like you implied, such a task is very dangerous, are you sure you can handle this?

it's a trial board, so no one has to move yet

>A. Like you implied, such a task is very dangerous, are you sure you can handle this?

>A. Like you implied, such a task is very dangerous, are you sure you can handle this?

>it's a trial board, so no one has to move yet
Isn't Veeky Forums and every board that isn't in the group with /b/ and such on the bottom of every page technically still a trail board?

I don't think so?

>A. Like you implied, such a task is very dangerous, are you sure you can handle this?
Best girl must come along.

"Like you implied, such a task is quite dangerous. Are you sure you want to go through with this? Do you believe you can handle yourself?" you ask rather bluntly. No point in sugar-coating this.

To your surprise, she laughs. "I might not look it, but I assure you, I can handle myself. And hey, you're one to talk. You might dress like some kind of adventurer, but... how old are you, nineteen, twenty?"

"Sixteen." you again give bluntly.

Her eyes widen. "Only sixteen...?" She places her hands on her hips. "Well, you're barely an adult! Don't you be acting all high and mighty towards your elders, missy!"

Elders...? "Forgive me for asking, but how old are you, Lynna?"

"Twenty-four." she replies with a nod, arms now crossed in front of her chest. "So don't you be all second-guessing me."

24? She... doesn't really look it. Or act it, you're starting to see. Still... "Then forgive me for that, Miss Lynna. Let us be off."

You hurry along with her, the girl sticking closer, trying to make some conversation. Basic at first, just informing her of where you've lived, what you've done, catching her up to speed on your accomplishments. When it's finally her turn... "Do you have any skills you excel at, Miss Lynna?"

Showing off the Hookshot again, she replies, "This lil' fellow here has helped me a lot in a few of the town festival games. In fact, you could call me a real pro at a lot of games and events." she gives proudly. "I love fishing, too. Great hobby of mine, but I guess everyone back home tend to pick up the skill sooner or later."

Not exactly combat skills... but good ones to have nonetheless, you guess. "Anything else?"

Her expression becomes more stern. "...actually, before you said you went to the Temple of Hylia, in Castle Town, right?"

"Correct."

She seems... nervous. "Are you, um, a follower of them, or...?"

>A. No, but they did need help
>B. I do not agree with their beliefs, if that's what you're asking
>C. What if I am?
>D. Something else?

>A. No, but they did need help

>A. No, but they did need help

>>A. No, but they did need help

>A. No, but they did need help

> They are followers of me.
But actually
>A. No, but they did need help

>C. What if I am?
Yeah, what if?

>They are followers of me.
We don't know that yet. Considering Zelda's been publically missing in action for ten years, I doubt there's discussion on whether or not Zelda actually is the reincarnation of the mother goddess Hylia.

>A. No, but they did need help. Besides, I'm a follower of the mighty Wind Fish.

>A. No, but they did need help

"No, but they did need my help." you respond calmly. "A phantom was haunting their lower levels, monsters were appearing as well." You reveal to her the Mask of Truth you acquired there. "This was embedded inside a Skulltula, altering the creature horribly. Within the Temple of Farore, a Wolfos seemed to be corrupted by something similar. Took on a partial appearance of a Deku Scrub, the 'source' of the corruption on its face. It made such... awful sounds..."

"I-I see..." Lynna responds, slight tone of embarrassment in her voice. "S-sorry..."

"I can tell that you yourself do not seem to agree with those people, though." Can't fool you on that part.

She flinches. "...is it that obvious?"

You nod slowly, finally exiting the Zora's Domain proper, the sky cloudier than it was before. "You apparently aren't the first. Viol mentioned he knew of someone who... disagreed with them."

"...w-well, they're just... wrong." she adds with a pout. "Hylia isn't more important than the Goddesses."

You... decide against pressing this topic any further. Out of the corner of your eye, you notice something peculiar. A Gossip Stone.

>A. ...well, you do have the Mask of Truth, give it a shot
>B. It can wait, hurry along
>C. Something else?

>A. ...well, you do have the Mask of Truth, give it a shot

>A. ...well, you do have the Mask of Truth, give it a shot
We don't need to whack it?

>>A. ...well, you do have the Mask of Truth, give it a shot

>A. ...well, you do have the Mask of Truth, give it a shot

>A. ...well, you do have the Mask of Truth, give it a shot
Damn router died on me

>B. It can wait, hurry along

All right, let's give this a shot. You approach the stone with the Mask of Truth on, pulling out your sword, and giving the stone a good whack. It laughs, and then tells you in words heard in secret...

"Boing-oing! Rumor holds that the late King of Hyrule had eyes for more than just his Queen, eyes locked with those of a ruby red..."

...you step back from the stone, not quite sure what to make of that. Your mind is suddenly filled with uncomfortable thoughts, a strange sense of doubt filling your skull. You remove the mask and hurry along, Lynna giving you a confused look. "What... er, what was that about?"

"Gossip like that should be kept a secret." you reply flatly, cheeks turning a little red.

Lynna tilts her head curiously, about to make a comment, but a sound alerts you both to danger ahead, quieting her. Something in the water... an Octorok. Might be more ahead.

>A. Knock back its attack with your shield!
>B. Zas, take 'em out!
>C. Crossbow time!
>D. Avoid it, you're in a hurry
>E. Something else?

Kek
>C. Crossbow time!

>>C. Crossbow time!

>A. Knock back its attack with your shield!

>D. Avoid it, you're in a hurry

>D

>>C. Crossbow time!

Rolled 10, 2, 6 = 18 (3d10)

Okay, roll me 2d10, best of three. DC is 4 for both.

Rolled 8, 7 = 15 (2d10)

Rolled 8, 3 = 11 (2d10)

Rolled 9, 5 = 14 (2d10)

Rolled 7, 8 = 15 (2d10)

Damn, Princess.

Writing...

Don't fuck with Zelda!

"Stay back. Use your Hookshot when you can, but follow my lead." you tell the older woman, drawing your Crossbow. The Octorok appears out of the water, spitting a rock about the size of your fist out. You and Lynna manage to dodge aside, with you quickly countering with a Crossbow bolt to the monster's face. Thankfully the creatures are fairly weak, and can be disposed of quickly. The monster jumps up in a panic, then floats on the water, disappearing in a puff of blackened mist. It leaves behind... oh hey! Something to help heal you up!

...and it's going to float down into the water. Damn it.

You're about to just leave it be, when Lynna quickly catches it via Hookshot, pulling it back and handing it over to you with a pleasant smile. "I might not have much experience fighting monsters, but I can definitely catch a bit of treasure like that." she states proudly. "Hah, you should see me at the Claw Game though..."

You can't help but smile at that. The two of you make your way forward. Still more Octoroks ahead...

>A. Same as before, Crossbow them! You've still got nine bolts left!
>B. Conserve ammo, bounce back their attacks with your shield!
>C. Sword Beam!
>D. Zas, take 'em down!
>E. You're both good, just keep moving
>F. Something else?

Hearts: [6/6]

>>C. Sword Beam!

>>B. Conserve ammo, bounce back their attacks with your shield!

>B. Conserve ammo, bounce back their attacks with your shield!

>C. Sword Beam!

>B. Conserve ammo, bounce back their attacks with your shield!

>B. Conserve ammo, bounce back their attacks with your shield!

Rolled 9, 2, 8 = 19 (3d10)

Okay, roll me 3d10, best of three. DC is 5.

Rolled 9, 2, 3 = 14 (3d10)

Rolled 7, 1, 10 = 18 (3d10)

Rolled 4, 4, 6 = 14 (3d10)

Ooooh-rah!

Oh wow. Well, writing...

youtube.com/watch?v=zmiEZY9wldE

"Three left. Let's do this!" You put away your crossbow and raise your shield. The first Octorok spits a fist-sized rock at you, which you carefully push back with your shield, bouncing it off and knocking it right back at the monster. It falls, vanishing in the same puff of mist as the one before.

You're almost too slow to bounce back the second shot aimed at you, with the rock breaking on your shield. But with the next one, you manage a far better counter, pushing back both rocks blasted at you, right back at the Octoroks that fired them. And... hey! One of them seems to drop some crossbow bolts! Lynna skillfully brings them to you, restoring your supply.

The two of you press on, towards the now-visible Temple entrance. The building has two doorways on either side of a flowing waterway, leading into a small circular pool in the front. Above the three entrances are the symbols of Nayru, it seems, or could be the symbol for the Zora themselves. Getting harder to tell with the darkening clouds. As you approach, you can spot something by the edge of a pool. Looks like a Zora...

And he's quite clearly deceased. He's not moving, and the smell... he must have died quite some time ago.

Lynna lets out a soft gasp of shock as she spots him too, her body trembling.

>A. See if you can find what killed him, might be a warning
>B. Get him out of the water, any who know of him will want to know what happened, and it's better than letting him rot in the river...
>C. ...this is fishy. Stay alert.
>D. Something else?

>C. ...this is fishy. Stay alert.
>A. See if you can find what killed him, might be a warning

>B. Get him out of the water, any who know of him will want to know what happened, and it's better than letting him rot in the river...

>C. ...this is fishy. Stay alert.
>A. See if you can find what killed him, might be a warning

>B. Get him out of the water, any who know of him will want to know what happened, and it's better than letting him rot in the river...
>C. ...this is fishy. Stay alert.
Heheh, fishy.

How about one more roll of 1d10, best of three? DC is 4.

Rolled 10 (1d10)

Rolled 10 (1d10)

Rolled 1 (1d10)

Well I guess..

...

I'm actually more impressed it wasn't three 10s.

Writing...

Can't win 'em all, hopefully that's good enough eh?